Spinal fusion - 1-year post-op (Scheuermann's disease surgerical correction)

[@dianewaller9390]

My 14 year old son just hit the 9 month mark for post surgery for scheuermann's kyphosis. I just wanted to let you know what an inspiration your videos were for us. There wasn't a lot of information available and watching your videos helped both of us get through his surgery. The first couple of weeks were really rough but it was nice to know that eventually he would come out on the other side.

[@solarespecialistasunidos7762]

How long did it take him to completely recover from the operation? How long did it take him to achieve a fusion of the vertebrae?

[@cCcsMaTrixXx]

One of the best video on youtube...

[@RoCCo_CarmeLL]

true that!

[@K163-o7y]

Görkem bro ameliyat oldunmu

[@seanlindholm7094]

Ikr this is the only video that i can watch and actually feel optimistic about the future if my back haha

[@alvarocasero7597]

Had mine 2 weeks ago, your video was best thing that prepared myself for a surgery.... Had kyohoscoliosis with T7 apex fracture and 77°.... Now I start to see the light at the end of the road

[@marcscott-pinder8342]

Hi. I'm 24 and suffered with my SD for all my life nearly. I'm finally just about to go in for my surgery! Had my pre-op two days ago so it's just the waiting game! watching your videos has really settled my anxieties so thank you for sharing! soon I shall be pain free and have a normal spine which is all I want from life. Thank you again.

[@johnalexanderlowe]

Hey, I'm in the same position as you agewise/SD. How did you go about getting your surgery, is it on the NHS or privately? If you could give me any information, thank you :) It's time I put an end to this!

[@marcscott-pinder8342]

John Alexander Lowe yeah I've been going to the hospital for 10 years now. I've had no treatment offered! so now it's at a point I need surgery. Also developed a scoliosis! Yeah I'm going through the NHS. I have my surgery on the 29th I can't wait! Proper scared but it's going to change my life. :)

[@johnalexanderlowe]

Congrats man! Yeah I went to the doctors thanks to having a hunchback when I was like 16, they told me it was bad posture and would get better. Now I'm 24 and been having chronic back pain and my Chiro told me it was SD - got a GP appointment on Tuesday to see if he'll refer me for surgery as the pain is unbearable and exercises/stretches haven't helped. Fingers crossed they'll do something if not, I may have to look privately! Good luck with everything! Let me know how it goes!

[@johnalexanderlowe]

How did your surgery go man?

[@marcscott-pinder8342]

John Alexander Lowe It got cancelled! Re booked in for the 16th of January so fingers crossed! you okay?

[@DavidLombardo]

best decision I ever made, hope you can find relief

[@mattstroker]

Is that a Clevo/BTO/"Intel barebones" laptop on that table? :-D

[@morganmas55]

Everybody must be different because I'm almost 1 year post-op and I'm in as much pain as when I had the surgery. You said you don't have much pain and that's good, I'm glad you're feeling good! I'm in pain all the time and it's been a year. I have a slow healing process! :(

[@mattstroker]

Hey! How are you doing now?

[@InfinixUser5554]

You should lift weights and do deadlifts trust me i have schrumeans too

[@BEETVproductions]

I felt the same. But 5 years later I can’t tell I’ve had it, other than my lack of flexibility

[@langleyassault]

I envy your new spine. I'm 29, and was just diagnosed with Schueremann's kyphosis. It has caused problems for me, especially at jobs that require a lot of standing and moving around. My right shoulder blade would always get an aching fatigue and I would feel left out of doing more adventurous stuff. I hate sitting all the time. Last year I contracted spinal stenosis, where my back muscles pinched my nerves and I couldn't walk. Gott a laminectomy. Doctor told me no doc would touch me. :(

[@kuraigu1225]

Congratulations, you are an inspiration to all considering scheuermanns kyphosis surgury. So stoked for you that you're able to continue your musical passion.

[@DavidLombardo]

I can bend fine. the thoracic part of your spine is not flexible to begin with, so contrary to a lot of spinal fusions, people with kyphosis correction usually don't lose that much, if any, flexibility. I didn't lose anything

[@jackiequijano9599]

You're a Champ David. I'm having mine in 2 weeks. Your video is inspiring. Thanks

[@mattstroker]

How are you doing now?

[@DavidLombardo]

actually, that is the scar, it hooks left a little. my scoliosis is about .8 degrees. and yes I can workout and do all of that, muscles shrink but they come back very quickly if you are athletic

[@wiscgirl1372]

Glad I found your video. Our non verbal special needs son will be needing this surgery and I wanted to know a patients perspective.

[@markoreilly9916]

Thanks David, surgery's in 2 weeks! Packing in as much Pilates and running as I can before it. Wish me luck!

[@mohutchmo9591]

Mark O'Reilly how is your recovery?

[@mattstroker]

@@mohutchmo9591 yeah, I'm curious too...

[@rexiile8267]

You should do another update video bro :)

[@RoCCo_CarmeLL]

yaa bro another one :)

[@MrPoshreany]

I have Scheuermanns disease and scoliosis and want to get spinal fusion but am terrified that something will go wrong.

[@morganbailey3231]

renny michael I have this as well.

[@brocksmith6962]

I just hit the 3 month mark, I’ve been hitting baseballs light weight lifting. I did feel the stiffness, I need to be ready for my spring sport.

[@darlenejohnson8476]

Hi i just had a SPINAL FUSION IM ON MY WAY TO RECOVERY PRAY HOD I GET.BETTER

[@MathiasMedina]

congrats on having a full recovery. I had this surgery and never healed.

[@jfisher99999]

+Mathias Medina What never healed specifically?

[@mattstroker]

Hey! How are you doing now?

[@MathiasMedina]

@@mattstroker doing great, thanks!

[@chrisharpers3853]

How many years now is it been I think I talk to you back around 2012 or 13 about you having this back surgery are you still having severe pain with it at all please give me an answer or soon

[@DavidLombardo]

Hi Chris, yes it's been 10 years. I have no pain and am doing great. Sorry to hear about your pain.

[@zencontroller]

wow congrats on getting sorted...Doctors need to be educated to catch this issue. I caused my back problems after damaging my heel carrying too much too young. I was called a drug searcher or something when I asked for pain relief as you couldn't see it THEN. now 27yrs later im living on 600mg morphine a day... life is a daze...I couldn't go through that op... you are brave dude... good luck for the future. and everyone else that suffers with it every moment of every day... don't let it beat you... going to the gym and seeing a chiropractor is a good path to take...

[@DavidLombardo]

I do remember feeling pretty stiff almost a year after surgery. It wasn't until maybe 12-15 months after that I started to feel 'normal'. It takes a long, long time.

[@TheTripstraps]

i got the diagnose 39 years old. suddenly started to have severe back pain, after physically very hard work period. i wonder, this condition is probably not reversible but i really would like to get by without operation, it sounds so scary. why did you choose the operation, was that the only option? did you try everything else before and nothing worked?

[@ondro38]

Dude u r lookin very good...I have 1 question...How long after surgery could you to start with workout? Your video is big motivation for me..thank you (and sorry for my english):

[@slapthegcord]

Hi, I would like to ask you a few questions about your schermans and your surgery, I have it, I'm 40 and concidering surgery

[@milo737800]

Hi again david, hope all is well. Just want to ask , when i touch my back/spine especialy the mid section i can feel the instrumentation or spine from the outside properly. Is that normal,

[@mohutchmo9591]

Been about 7 years or so. Hows things going now?

[@EliInk]

Almost made me tear up. That would be amazing but I always wonder how much it would cost and if it's advisable at 36?

[@mattstroker]

I'm thinking about it. Built in good ol' '75.

[@thetechgeneration]

My specialist is pushing me to get a fusion (80 degree kyphosis at 16 years old) but also mentioned to me that there is a very small chance it will be life threatening. I am still on the fence. I have a few questions 1. will you be able to go on roller-coasters/swings/run/swim(with the titanium rods not weighing you down)/will you have less of a chance in a car accident? 2. Whats the pain like after surgery compared to the normal back pain before surgery I know its different types of pain but relatively speaking 3. obviously you made your choice but do you think that the risk is worth it for only cosmetic differences and a less painful life and does the pain always go away after surgery? I am actually probably going to get it in the hospital you got it done(a few minutes away from my apartment) if I get it done anything to note about the hospital?

[@rpaulchoiniere]

Cannot wait until I get mine done !

[@pedobear2255]

How bad was your pain before the operation and how in the world is it possible that you don't feel pain anymore?

[@winja1982]

Hi Dave Thank you for your videos, very interesting. I am 30 years old and have known about my scheurmanns for about a year now. Whilst my curve is not huge, it is quickly wearing out my lower back. I am now facing the decision of whether not to have surgery. Do you have any regrets? How are your pain levels and flexibilty now? Cheers James

[@pthompson2113]

I'm thinking about getting it done. Have suffered with it all my life. I am 29 now. I'm sick of it. They told me when I was a kid that it wasn't a problem. It always inhibited me in sports and sitting and always caused and causes me anxiety. I don't know what my degree of kifosis is but am going to see a non operative specialist next Monday. David, any advice on what to focus on when talking to specialist to ensure that they will recommend the surgery and that insurance will cover?

[@julezkrazeonez5327]

Philip Thompson I'm In the exact same situation the Dr told me when I was a kid I'm now 28 and the pain is excruciating to the point I'm in tears and iv got a high pain tolerance and I'm also completely over it it's getting in the way of me being able to play with my son the way I'd like to. I guess surgery might be only option but if it would help then why not!

[@DavidLombardo]

I bulked up quite a bit from working out and my chest is much much fuller today, so in that sense yes, but surgery will not help you get a good chest, thats all from pumping the iron my friend! good luck. check my video description for how i look now from the front

[@EARL1995LFC]

Hi David, thanks for the videos, what age were you when you had surgery? Thank you

[@unclefreddie70]

Your surgery and recovery has been spectacular! Do you have any pics of yourself before surgery?

[@DavidLombardo]

ask your surgeon. motrin/ibuprofen does help swelling a LOT but it also can cause bleeding. not good for surgery recovery. however my doc said it is fine about 1 month post op..good luck

[@vortex21rainz26]

How are you feeling now???? After many yearrs

[@DavidLombardo]

I am doing excellent. No back issues at all, I still workout 3-5 times a week, heavy strength training...which I believe has really helped. I have built about 40lb of lean muscle over the past decade. It has been 10.5 years. Hard to believe. Thanks for asking!

[@vortex21rainz26]

@@DavidLombardo all the best and wish you all the best back pain is really hard

[@balazsszeleczki7489]

@@DavidLombardo Can I ask you abou your workout routine in e-mail? I also have Scheuermann's

[@milo737800]

Hi david, hope you are still good and evrything ok. I had your same condition got surgery 25/7/2013. I am recovering at

[@melissaaguilar2741]

Hello David, Thank you for Sharing your experience and want to say you are very brave. My son is 16 and I am considering this surgery. He has a 75% curve from a trampoline accident when he was nine which also left him with two compressed disc's. We live near Los Angeles so I'm considering the surgery with the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles or Shriner's. Anyway, I am concerned because I was told that my son could be paralyzed or even die but it never has happened. My son lives with pain near his left ribs and chest which comes and goes mostly from sitting down. It is a common occurance. Please let me know if you ever have any pain? Is it uncomfortable having a stiff back or is it natural now? How long will it be before my son can sit or stand for long periods of time. How much taller did you get? Lastly, do you have a chance of Disc degeneration later as you age? Thank you

[@milo737800]

* good rate as my surgeon says, you and your videos were a big motivation part for this. I so far had success with no complications in the surgery. Just pain when the oxycodone wears off. They keep giving me ibuprofen 3 times a day 400 mg. i read its not good for fusion. What do u think?

[@cassandraruiz5170]

Do you have a Facebook I can reach u on

[@DemitriX.]

How is your mobility after over a decade since the surgery? nobody has any videos showcasing people doing flexible stuff post spinal fusion for correcting Scheuermann's disease.

[@DavidLombardo]

Frankly, it's fine. I have no limitations as compared to previous!

[@DemitriX.]

@@DavidLombardo Awesome to hear, thanks for the reply, i might be getting spinal fusion myself because its become rather troublesome with my 75 degree scheuermann, hope if i do get it that i recover as well as you did.

[@infoupsquare9732]

Bravo... Lombardo, is Italian surname... where are you?

[@Zayne1991]

Can you lift still lift weights with a fused spine? i have kyphosis and im considering surgery, but im worried it might stop me from weight lifting please let me know thanks

[@bbazarov176]

Hi MusicalDarkHorse. I have the same problem which u had before, and I'm from New-York and i heard about dr Boachie. WHat method of payment did u use to have your surgery? Did you use insurance or you payed for that with your own money? I asked because i'm going to have a surgery like yours.

[@blickluke]

I have this but of my lumbar instead of the thoracic part... I am really really upset, not quite depressed, at the fact that I may never be able to properly deadlift/squat etc in the gym.... I feel like shit for having this seeing as it is pretty rare. :|

[@morganmas55]

I'm about to have my surgery in a couple of months and I was wondering after the surgery and you do everything a normal person can do, like jump on a trampoline, swim, do flips, and play soccer. I'm very scared whats going to happen with my surgery. What should I do?

[@nerdlife7625]

thank you that's about how I feel it hurts like hell but I just push through it follow the Dr orders and walk walk walk even thought he pain 4 days post op so pain is still horrid.

[@shahar797]

i have kyphosis...well,not scheuerman's kyphosis..and i wan't go to the gym,for weight lifts. you think i can? because i think your arms are bigger than before surgery and i thought to ask you about it.. so,you working out in gym??

[@cassandraruiz5170]

Because I am gonna get surgery

[@h3rmy1]

Can you twist left to right at all after the surgery? Also can you feel the metal in your body, when its cold outside, or lying flat on your back, in example? A reply will be much appreciated!

[@robertobanks3423]

Hey +David Lombardo, cheers mate. I'm writing this cause I've got some questions. I'm less than 2 weeks away from having a spinal fusion surgery that goes from levels L3 to S1, which is 3 levels fusion, the lowest 3 levels of the spine (i.e. 4 vertebrae and 3 discs) L3-L4-L5-S1 and I'm quite anxious and nervous about the range of mobility this would take from me cause it´s going to be in the lowest region of the spine which is, as the doctor told me, the most mobile region of the spine... Anyway, I watched your video and congrats for having that strong mentality, I also think that's a huge part of recovery, also watched how you can bend forward but for doing that it requires low back mobility. Down to which level did your fusion went to? What things can you and can't you do now? how's that affected your daily-life? Hope you could give me some answers... By the way, this video is really helpful, most of all the part where you show how's your back and how can you bend and stuff, congrats!

[@IssaNeshApex]

Hey bro my bro has the same problem you had and I have been looking for a dr to do the surgery can you give me his info please

[@skumflum7511]

How are you doing now 13 years later?

[@DavidLombardo]

@@skumflum7511 doing fine! No pain, still working out a ton. Got married, have two kids, I've dabbled in modeling, even. Life is good

[@markstone2760]

Hi David What age were you when you had your Surgerical?

[@johnyksf]

Can you please tell me what was you pre-op kyphosis angle? How big was correction? Thank you

[@michaelpribush6545]

Hi David I have kyphosis and scoliosis and I'm scheduling to have surgery this year from t2 to L1 and I've been scared but watching your videos has made it easier and less scary to go through. What levels did you have fused? If you dont mind me asking what degree curvature was your kyphosis and what degree is it after surgery?

[@pureblood7881]

Bro how are you now

[@alexficovic]

How much did the surgery cost?

[@qwertz953]

On the 15th of may i will have my surgery. I like to know if you have some tips for the first two weeks after it ?

[@oh_rhythm]

I have Kyphosis and am a drummer.....damn =\ I'm 26 now. what do you think? should I go for it?

[@StoneVial]

awesome man, awesome!

[@FreakOnaBass7991]

Hi MusicalDarkHorse. I have a question. Im in a rock band too and im a bassist and i think i have to have the surgery soon . Websites have said i cant lift anything over 5 pounds well my basses weigh more then that and i hve tried playing original stuff and it is very hard to do it sitting down. What do i do ? :/

[@keegan183]

Hey David I know you have had hundreds of questions and comments about your journey and i would like to be apart of it. I am 24 years old and have had this disease ever since i was young, had to wear a brace for a bit that was EXTREMELY uncomfortable and hurt my self confidence. I was told by a specialist when i was diagnosed at a younger age that my curve was not within the limit of being considered for surgery without being considered a cosmetic reason. I am unaware of just how much its progressed but i definitely feel the pain, limited mobility and hear the odd comment from someone that just reignites that pain i feel inside and out. Basically what i want to know is was the surgery covered through your insurance and how much did it cost you roughly? Thanks David..

[@youandme1724]

Keegan Trahan Just in case he cant answer, the surgery probably wont be covered unless it is at a stage where surgery is the only option to fix it. I live in new zealand so I had my surgery for free even though i dont have insurence but i have heard that it costs roughly $10,000 if you have it for cosmetic reasons.

[@TheFriendofChrist]

Hey are you going to fittnesscenter after the surgery?

[@qwertz953]

In a few months it get a surgery like this too

[@babyurafireworkx]

Hi David! I'm 15 years old and have been diagnosed with scheurrmans kyphosis 2 years ago.. I only have a 59 degree curve but I have unbareable pain... I have times where I'm laying on the floor because it hurts to much to get up.. I've done all the stretching they want me to and nothings working. We scheduled another appointment in jan to talk to him... Do you think surgery will be my next step?

[@rpaulchoiniere]

If you have a lot of pain they may allow it but most doctors wont do it unless you're above 70-75 degrees :/

[@charissaclare]

babyurafireworkx I feel exactly that feel almost disabled... I found out in adulthood I had SD now looking st surgery which in UK they don't do free like other stuff...if you pay thousands :/ they will....did u get surgery in end ?

[@milo737800]

Hi again david, hope all is well. I want to ask , when i touch my back/spine with my hand the mid section specialty i can feel the instrumentation from the outside. Or my spine properly. Is that normal? Regards

[@smallbee1234]

Thank you Dave for the update. I have an 18 yo daughter that has this same condition. My question is two-fold: How do I talk to her about this as it is so sensitive a subject that she shuts me out at the mere hint of discussion? And did you use any non-surgical techniques to minimize the problem prior to surgery?

[@ing.moroellomalaspina1060]

Hi , i'm italian and my english is not very good , my curvature was originally of 65 degrees , now after two years and a half of brace ( now i'm 22) it has decreased to 55 ...i know that it's not a bad curvature but i' m still feeling desperate .... How bad was your curvature ? But overall , now that you had surgery , can you run and play sports? Please answer because you seem to be very good and i would like to know if there 's a possibility even for me to have my old and beautiful life back

[@berkallday]

how long does it take to recover with no surgery?

[@pthompson2113]

How can I send you a PM?

[@jeffwilson79]

How long did you contemplate on getting the surgery before you actually went thru with it..?!? I'm 36yrs old and definitely have my good and bad days! The older I get I seems to control everything I do..

[@tpmm1]

I'm sorry to hear that it controls your life!

[@jimmyp7082]

What was the degrees of your spine before and after

[@DavidLombardo]

hi Jimmy, original was somewhere around 75-80°, and after surgery somewhere around 35-40°, which is where I am still (fused up so not going anywhere anytime soon). So, the curve was reduced by about half. A very, very good correction. I believe normal kyphotic curvature is considered 20-50°. I am within this range!

[@jonashn1766]

Do you regret it in some way? Like do you have any pain issues?

[@DavidLombardo]

@@jonashn1766 absolutely not, I'd do it again tomorrow in an instant. Best decision I've ever made. I have no pain at all and workout without issue 4-6x a week. I think training with heavy weights is part of why my spine is in such good shape.

[@davidw2927]

I had the EXACT same op, same disease you had. Currently 3 months postoperative. FYI I'm 18, also dreaming of bodybuilding (I used to weightlift alongside physio but I've lost the tone since then). I messaged you on Instagram and I would so love to have a chat. Looking at your post on Reddit gave me a more hope than you could imagine for my ambition. Thanks David.

[@DavidLombardo]

it is not very common but it can be corrected good luck

[@LucianHodoboc]

Will the metal stuff remain in your spine for the rest of your life or will they have to take it out through another surgery?

[@harrydrake4173]

It's permanent.

[@jdc7050]

hi David, do you think your spirits over all and workout helped you to better recover?

[@DavidLombardo]

Absolutely!!

[@jeremiah4902]

Hey David, I had an L-2 to T-4 fusion done around two months ago. My pre kyphosis angle was 90° and they managed to get me down to 50° after 8 hours of surgery. Anyway, I am extremely eager to get back to the gym, however bending to lift things off the floor is still difficult/uncomfortable for me. (Can feel the hardware tugging) I was curious how you felt around this time and if you were in a similar boat 2 months in. Also, are you at all limited in the types of exercise you can do? Deadlifting/barbell squats, etc.

[@InfinixUser5554]

did u have breathing issues beforehand

[@UrBaNlLeGeNdZ]

thanks for the video

[@Cmarie122]

My husband is having the surgery at the end of June. Do you think he would be able to travel exactly 3 months later? Pretty long drive, 13 hours or so. Or fly instead?

[@Cmarie122]

Would he be able to travel at all at 3 months post-op?

[@DavidLombardo]

+Cmarie122 he'll be fine. Stiff though but OK

[@Cmarie122]

+David Lombardo Awesome. Thank you! We will be going to a wedding so I am guessing just take it easy, no crazy dancing? I am relieved to hear he will be able to travel at 3 months.

[@bllighty]

Did you have any breathing issues pre op?(ie reducked lung capacity) If so, were they improved post op? I have been having breathing issues which started a month ago. They said they doubt it is the kyphosis however because of how sudden the symptoms came on. What was your degree of curve before surgery

[@InfinixUser5554]

I have 75 degreee and yes it fucks my breathing

[@DavidLombardo]

Yes you can work out. I do a full routine in the gym, no problems at all. of course you will want to wait a year or more if you need surgery..but yeah, I have no restrictions.

[@kyphoticlifting4474]

where did you do the surgery ?

[@DavidLombardo]

HSS in Manhattan. Over 10 years ago, doing amazing!

[@DavidLombardo]

i am fine!

[@waylee4539]

Awesome，thank you, man

[@milo737800]

Hi again dav

[@jamesalculumbre5947]

My doctor SAID NO EXCERCISE FOR ATLEAST A YEAR AND A HALF ? he said free weights is not advises ??? when did you start working out ? and do you do free weights?

[@carlosbernardino4378]

Oh my god ... with those muscles !! I do not recommend you to do more gym, because of your surgery ... That's what my surgeon told me

[@DavidLombardo]

I did, and no